Alexander Smirnov, the former FBI informant now charged for allegedly making false statements claiming President Joe Biden’s son Hunter took $5 million in bribes from the Ukrainian energy company Burisma, will be imprisoned before and during his trial
District Judge Otis Wright ordered Smirnov to be detained before and during his trial. The Judge all but accused the Defense Team of plotting to help Smirnov to get out of the country to evade charges, an accusation the defense vehemently denied.
Ex-FBI informant Smirnov will remain in jail while he awaits trial, judge rules – CNN
Excerpt:
Ex-FBI informant Alexander Smirnov will remain in jail while he awaits trial, a federal judge in California ruled Monday.
Smirnov also entered a not guilty plea during the hearing. He was indicted over allegedly lying about President Joe Biden’s family and their alleged dealings in Ukraine.
He is charged with lying to his FBI handler and falsifying documents.
Smirnov, a 43-year-old dual US-Israeli citizen, is accused of telling his handler that a Ukrainian energy company paid $5 million in bribes each to Biden and his son Hunter – an allegation that prosecutors say was a complete fabrication.
District Judge Otis Wright on Monday said that “there is nothing garden variety” about the criminal case involving Smirnov, who Wright says has a “habit or practice of making false statements.”
“I have not changed my mind,” Wright said. “The defendant will be remanded pending trial.”
